Name: Dewalt 20V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Brand: Dewalt
Price: 507 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8 (19 reviews)

October 4, 2021April 9, 2024

My Experience With Dewalt’s 20V Self-Propelled Mower

The Dewalt Self-Propelled lawn mower is a 20V machine that is trying to break into the electric mower space. The electric mower space has been dominated by folks like Ryobi, Greenworks, EGO Power+ and more.

Me and my son picking it up from the store!

Traditional companies like Dewalt, Black and Decker, and others have been slower entrants (think Tesla vs. Ford) but are now dipping their toes into the water. That being said, Dewalt’s self-propelled electric mower must undergo our intense scrutiny process.

SPOILER:

This is actually a sweet mower with the longest run-time of just about any battery-powered mower. It isn’t the most popular mower on the market, but this electric mower is certainly gaining steam (or electrons).

The Dewalt 20V mower can be found at Home Depot’s website where you can buy online or pick it up in store.

Oh and if you like Dewalt’s mower, check out their newest lineup of string trimmers – from 20V to 60V.

Today we are going to talk about the following, keep reading or click the links below to jump to a specific section.

First impressions
Breaking down the features
All things 20V battery
Dewalt vs Greenworks vs Ryobi mowers
The Official Breakdown

First impressions of the Dewalt self propelled lawn mower

I must admit, I have my doubts when it comes to electric lawn mowers. Other electric mowers that I have reviewed have had issues with battery life. The self propelling function of the mower can easily chew through battery and have you with a half-mowed lawn and a wasted weekend afternoon.

Interestingly, the Dewalt battery-powered outdoor line used to be 40V products. These have since been discontinued. The majority of equipment is now 20V, with a mower that requires two 20V batteries. Makes sense if you don’t think about it.

We have reviewed some of the other 20V Dewalt products, including their updated leaf blower and their powerful cordless hedge trimmer.

Dewalt is a company that is highly regarded for their tools and outdoor equipment, so I was willing to give it a go. Let’s check out some of the features of this mower.

This mower is really easy to use

Frankly, all electric lawn mowers are very usable. They are quiet, light, store easily, and do not bother your neighbors. In other words, they are boring. The Dewalt self propelled lawn mower comes with a push to start button and will begin walking for you once you get it going.

The Dewalt mower has a slight edge over other electric mowers in that it is about 5lbs lighter than its competitors. One thing I love about how easy to use this is is the push-to-start feature. This is an often overlooked feature because we are all so used to pulling the dang cord to get our mower started.

It also features a great self-propelled function that will lurch the mower forward so that you don’t have to push as hard. This is a great feature if you mow have a challenging and bumpy lawn.

The metal deck and brushless motor make this durable

One thing I appreciate about this model is the wide steel deck. Having a wide steel deck will make the mower feel less “plastic” and make the mower last much longer. A wide deck on a lawn mower also helps with a cleaner cut with less passes.

The metal deck of the Dewalt self-propelled lawn mower provides more durability than other electric mowers.

Dewalt knows this is one of the more durable electric mowers on the market and has put their money on the line by offering a three year warranty. They also offer one year of free service (which you will not need) and a ninety day money back guarantee. This basically gives you an entire free spring season to try it out. If you don’t like it, you can get your money back.

Battery life on the Dewalt self-propelled lawn mower

Battery life issues on electric mowers are what drive me CRAZY. The Dewalt electric mower has a pair of batteries that you can use to get this baby fired up. What I absolutely LOVE about this mower is the run time. The run time is 75 minutes on this mower which puts it as best in class.

Compare the 75 minutes on the Dewalt mower to 40 or 45 with the Ryobi one. This gives it a huge advantage over its competitors.

Lithium-ion batteries are great because they don’t slowly sputter and weaken your lawn mower when the battery gets low. The machine will continue to run full speed until there is nothing left in it.

Using the Dewalt battery with other Dewalt tools

Just like Ryobi and some of the other multi-electric tool companies, you can use the batteries from this mower on other Dewalt devices. This feature is of course to build brand loyalty. After all, if you already are charging Dewalt batteries in your garage, why would you want to add others?

The Dewalt 20V hedge trimmer (that I have also reviewed).

Due to Dewalt’s massive suite of products, you can use the batteries from this mower on over 200 products of Dewalt’s. The closest competitors only have maybe 40-50 tools that can also use their battery. I have personally used and tried the Dewalt 20V hedge trimmer and review it here as well as the Dewalt 60V chainsaw and the 20V blower.

If you already have the Dewalt batteries in other tools of yours, you can purchase this mower for a reduced price as a “tool-only” option. For those that are Dewalt loyals, you can rest assured that your loyalty will be rewarded.

The Dewalt line of 20V products has over 200 products that can take a 20V battery.

Where it is made

This does not matter to some people, but to me it does. This mower is made in the good ole’ United States of America. Most electric mowers are made in China and shipped over. For those that care to support an American-made product, check out this mower.

Storage

One of the beauties of electric mowers is their light weight and storage capabilities. This mower is no different. You can basically fold this mower in half and stand it up on its side. When folded, it sticks straight up and can be pushed into a tight space in your garage, crawlspace, shed, or wherever else you can make room. In the below picture that I got from Dewalt’s website, this gentleman is putting the mower in his truck. It is a great example of how the mower can be used, but sadly there is not a single blade of grass anywhere near this man (LMAO).

The great thing about storing an electric mower is that it will fire right back up when winter is over. Gas mowers may require a little bit of oil and gas plus several yanks of the cord. This one will start back up at the press of a button.

Should I use the bag on this Dewalt mower?

I am almost never a fan of using bags on mowers. The bag will keep the grass clippings off of your lawn. While this can be aesthetically pleasing, your yard actually can benefit from these nutrients.

With electric mowers, every second of battery life counts. Keeping a bag full of damp grass to weigh down the motor and cause it to exert more energy is a loss in my opinion. Do not slow down your mow and go bag free!

To self-propel or not to self-propel?

This mower comes in two options: standard push and self-propelled. The self-propelled option is nice for those that like an easier experience when going up hills or over rough terrain like long grass. The downside of self-propelled mowers will be the battery life reduction you will experience by keeping that function on.

The push option is your standard push mower. Nothing sexy but gives you great exercise.

Cost and value of the Dewalt self-propelled lawn mower

While certainly more expensive than similar bodied gas mowers (like the Troy Bilt push I reviewed), the Dewalt comes in at the lower end of the price range.

This mower has almost all of the same features of the Greenworks mower, but about $70 less currently. This mower ranges from about $400-$450 and has better battery life. The added benefit for those that already own Dewalt tools and have other uses for these batteries makes it a clear winner.

Dewalt vs Greenworks vs Ryobi

As you may know, I have also reviewed the a similar mower from our friends at Greenworks as well as the various mowers made by Ryobi. To be frank, the Dewalt one is the only that appeals to me from an aesthetics perspective. The Greenworks and Ryobi mowers are neon-green and stick out like a sore thumb.

While the Dewalt self propelled mower is slightly more expensive, I think it is the best buy of the three. The metal deck allows for more durability despite being slightly heavier. I also like the Ryobi mower, but the compatibility with other tools is less than Dewalt. I also like Dewalt’s tools more than Ryobi, so would rather build out an entire suite of Dewalt products than Ryobi.

Greenworks is really on an island from a battery perspective, so unless you have no other Dewalt or Ryobi tools with the appropriate battery, I would ignore this one altogether.

The official review of the Dewalt self-propelled lawn mower

It can be found at Home Depot’s website where you can buy online or pick it up in store.

Feature	Rating
Difficulty to use	Less difficult than gas
Durability	More durable compared to other electric mowers
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain
Value	High value for an electric mower, lower value if including gas mowers
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre	Not recommended unless keeping spare batteries around
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

For links to the manual or to parts for the Dewalt electric lawn mower, check out the below:

Parts: https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/c6/c631e257-3382-4203-9b6a-731054ade1be.pdf

Manual: https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/d5/d50d81b3-4e7a-4e98-9e1f-ae2596dbdd2c.pdf

October 1, 2021April 9, 2024

Greenworks Electric Dethatcher Review (+ How-To Guide)

My Greenworks Dethatcher is a lawn tool that I became obsessed with the second I started using it. Dethatchers work by pulling up old, dead grass that is embedded in the soil of your lawn. This provides the most satisfying experience ever when you use it.

This dead grass, or “thatch”, prohibits your living grass from getting nutrients and can cause your grass to appear thin. Dethatchers have historically been tough-looking heavy rakes that you could pull across your lawn by hand.

Let’s get started!

Dethatching 101
Greenworks dethatcher overview
Greenworks vs. Sun Joe
The final ruling

When and why to use a dethatcher on your yard

Dethatching your yard is one of the most satisfying lawn tasks. If you are one of those people who likes pimple popping videos or loves to peel off the plastic of a new appliance, then dethatching will be your jam.

It basically pulls up all this dead grass that is stuck to your lawn and pushes it to the top of your yard. You can almost hear your yard start breathing again.

The time of year to dethatch your yard is just prior to the aerating and overseeding process. For us, this time of year is in October, but can vary depending on where you live. Dethatching right before aerating and seeding gives the best possible chance for your seeds to make contact with soil.

First, you pull up the dead grass with the dethatcher. Once you have pulled all of this up and gotten rid of it, then you can aerate. You will want to aerate your lawn immediately after dethatching, then overseed the lawn. This will put seed straight on the open soil and give it the best success to grow into a thick, luscious lawn.

The Greenworks Dethatcher features

The Greenworks dethatcher comes in at a slightly lower price point than the Sun Joe Dethatcher. It is also one of the most popular dethatchers available on the market. Let’s review what makes this so popular.

Psst – check out our comparison of the Sun Joe vs Greenworks Dethatcher.

My experience using this dethatcher

I used my Greenworks dethatcher for the first time this year on my relatively newly sodded lawn in Austin, TX. Despite only having a year or two of life, I got an insane amount of thatch off the ground. Here’s how it worked.

The Greenworks Dethatcher comes with an easy push to start functionality. This push to start feature allows for guaranteed starts after being stored through a cold winter. It boasts a 14 inch width for the tines (the little spikes that pull up thatch), which gives it an immediate advantage over some of its competitors.

The handles fold in and allow for easy storage. As do other dethatcher in its class, it does not use any batteries and requires no charging. Rather, the Greenworks dethatcher requires an extension cord. As I mentioned in my last dethatcher review, a fifty foot extension cord is recommended. Longer extension cords can become quite heavy and cumbersome to move throughout your yard.

The start and stop features on my Greenworks dethatcher.

Comfort is important to me, and as a tall person I highly value the longer handles that come with the Greenworks dethatcher. These are much more comfortable and help me stay out in the yard longer.

This is surprisingly powerful

Not sure what kind of power you can expect with an electric dethatcher. This is not a gas guzzler and is not meant to really provide any power. But it does have 10A of power running through it. It does not have a self propelled feature persay, but does inch forward with the help of the thines moving forward trying to pull up grass.

When I was using this dethatcher and testing out the power, I noticed that it wasn’t an issue – the issue was moving slowly, which is basically just what I have to do when I use a dethatcher.

You can check out the cordless version of the Greenworks dethatcher.

This dethatcher is simple and durable

While most people scoff at plastic and electric lawn tools, I think this one really does have great durability. I have not put too much use into mine, but have heard others talk about the longevity of the tines. The tines are the little pieces of metal that actually pick up and displace the dead grass on the bottom of the dethatcher. You would expect some wear and tear, but they appear to last quite a while.

This is really a simple machine that does not require any maintenance. When broken down to its functional components (kind of like active ingredients in supplements), it is just an electric power circle of little spikes. Not much can go wrong.

This one was really easy for me to break down and fold in half in my garage, basically just like how it came out of the box.

My yard now looks way better after using this

My Greenworks dethatcher will pull up the dead grass from the top of my yard without fail. As long as it is moderately dry outside, it will not have a problem getting to the thatch and giving your grass some room to breathe.

Clean-up, however, is a different issue. Compared to several other electric dethatchers, the Greenworks dethatcher does not come with a bag. Do not fret! The bags that come with the dethatchers are almost comically small.

Height settings on my Greenworks dethatcher.

I was surprised with the amount of grass that came up from this tool. You will likely fill your bag after about 5 to 8 feet of pushing. With that in mind, most people use all dethatchers without bags.

To clean up, simply grab your mower, put it on a high setting, slap the bag on, and do a quick run over the yard to suck up all the thatch. You can always use a blower, a heavy duty rake, or whatever you would like to clean up the yard.

Comparison: Greenworks dethatcher vs Sun Joe dethatcher

If you are looking at an electronic dethatcher online, you are likely picking between these two. Both are the top sellers on Amazon and combined have over 20,000 reviews. Both look very similar and both have almost 5 stars on Amazon.

Luckily, I have owned both and even tested them side by side to see which one did a better job of pulling up thatch.

Functionality and power

To compare the two, let’s start with functionality. They function identically. Both are powered by an extension cord, move at the same speed, and electronically pull up thatch. The advantage goes to Greenworks here because they have a slightly bigger tine deck. 14 inches in the Greenworks vs 13 inches in the Sun Joe dethatcher. You will get more out of each pass using the Greenworks.

Add-ons

Something else to consider when comparing these products is the availability of add-on features. Greenworks offers zero add ons to their product, whereas Sun Joe offers a scarifier and a bag. As mentioned previously, the bag is meaningless and most people trash it. The scarifier applies blades to the soil to help cut through and tough thatch and provide a modest amount of aeration. The advantage in this category goes to Sun Joe.

Tines at the bottom of my Sun Joe dethatcher.

Cost and value

As of right now, the Sun Joe dethatcher costs around $150 and the Greenworks dethatcher comes in right around $130. Both are going to last a long time and both are of very similar quality. If it were me (and it is me), I am going with the Greenworks.

Overall comparison: Greenworks dethatcher vs Sun Joe dethatcher

Y’all this is a relatively easy one for me. I will save $20 and go with the Greenworks dethatcher if I had to do it over again. It operates the same, has great durability, is slightly wider, and a good bit cheaper.

Check out our web story detailing the competition between these two.

You can grab the Greenworks dethatcher on Amazon (on sale right now for 35% off) for an awesome price. You can also get the Greenworks 27022 dethatcher straight from the Greenworks website.

September 30, 2021April 9, 2024

Ryobi Has a Nice Gas-Powered 3000 PSI Pressure Washer

The Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer with a HONDA engine is a rare bird. Most Ryobi products (lawn mowers, weed eaters) are battery powered and mostly work for smaller yards or lots. They have their own lawn mowers and weed eaters that use the same battery to provide some compatibility between products.

This pressure washer however, is completely different. This bad boy slaps a Honda GCV160 engine on the cute neon green Ryobi design and makes the battery lovers jealous.

Real quick, here are my honest highlights about this pressure washer:

If you want a gas pressure washer, I’d probably go with Simpson Pressure Washers
Ryobi has some great electric tools, so this isn’t really in their sweet spot.
While this isn’t bad, it just is off-brand. I can’t NOT recommend this Ryobi pressure washer, but I think you can do better.

Let’s get started with our review. Click a link below to jump ahead and read more.

Pressure washer considerations
Power
The five-in-one nozzle
Comparison to other Ryobi washers
Cost comparison to non-Ryobi washers
The overall review

An overview of the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer

Let’s take a look at the features of this pressure washer and how it stacks up to its competitors. If you’re looking for an electric alternative, we have a full list of Ryobi pressure washers you can check out.

Power on the 3000 PSI pressure washer

The Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer has a PSI or pounds-per-square-inch of 3000 (duh). This means that it packs a significant punch compared to its other residential peers. You will see some of the dinkier electric pressure washers pack PSIs of around 1600-2500. That is great, but it might take more time and effort on your Sunday afternoon to get the job done.

A high-powered pressure washer is what I recommend, even for the lighter jobs. It is always nice to have more than you need when it comes to pressure washers. Consider a situation in which you buy your pressure washer just to clean off your boat or car and some of your exterior windows.

With the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer, the Honda GCV160 gas powered engine will enable you to clean things like brick, concrete, and other masonry structures. This machine boasts 2.3 gallons per minute of water forcing all the old dirt and grime off of whatever structure you are wanting to clean.

Nozzle changing

One thing I love about the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer is that it comes with a 5-in-1 pressure washer nozzle. This nozzle has a zero degree, 25 degree, 40 degree, long-range soap, and short-range soap setting. Each of these is accessible by a twist of the same nozzle head.

Some Ryobi pressure washers have this nozzle holder built in.

The graphic below from Ryobi shows all of the different uses for the various nozzles. Do not get stuck with a weak pressure washer that takes up your whole day – go with power.

Helpful guide from Ryobi on their pressure washer nozzle uses.

Detergent tank

Speaking of different nozzle heads on the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer, two of them include soap. There is a long-range soap option as well as a short-range soap option. Both of these are activated by the detergent tank on the pressure washer. Simply add soap to the chamber and switch the nozzle to either soap option and you are ready to go. These are great options for cleaning automobiles, boats, hard to reach windows, and more.

Soap tank allows you to step your game up!

Using this pressure washer

Other than the wide range of applicable uses that the five in one nozzle provides, a few other features make this machine very easy to use.

The Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer also boasts a 35 foot high pressure hose that allows for 40% longer reach than many of its peers. It also has a hand-truck design that allows you to move it around easily, supported by the 12 inch wheels on the back.

This handle also attaches to the side of the machine, allowing for easy storage without worrying about the handle getting run over in the garage.

Ryobi 3000 PSI Pressure washer comparisons

Depending on where you are buying, you may not have the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer available. There may only be the 2900 (like at my local home depot) or the 3300 (also available at my local home depot), but not the 3000.

The differences between the three are subtle but important.

The 2900 does not have a Honda engine as the main workhorse. I love the dependability of the Honda motors, as they work well in every industry that uses them. One other difference in the 2900 vs the 3000 is the detergent tank. If you want to use soap with your pressure washer, make sure to scrub down the surface by hand first. To me, the two soap nozzles on this one do not really make sense without actually being able to disperse soap.

The 3300 has slightly more power than the 3000 and includes the detergent tank and the honda engine. This honda engine is slightly bigger (GCV190) and includes “Idle Down Technology”, which basically means it is quieter and gets better fuel consumption. The 3300 also includes a 50ft hose that allows double the reach of other pressure washers in the market.

All of them are backed by a three year limited warranty, which helps me rest assured as a buyer.

Either way, this has way more power than Sun Joe’s pressure washers.

Cost comparison Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer vs. other top-rated pressure washers

Most residential pressure washers sell anywhere from $250 to $500. If you are looking for a super powerful commercial grade pressure washer, be prepared to spend $650 to $1,000 on a machine.

The Ryobi pressure washers reviewed here range from low $300s for the 2900, mid to high $300s for the 3000, and up to the mid $400s for the 3300.

You can check out all the Ryobi pressure washers at Home Depot here.

I recommend the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer with the Honda engine because it is the most bang for the buck. It has the detergent tank, the power of the Honda engine, and the reach that you will need to get the job done. The five in one nozzle head is icing on the cake and really puts this over the edge as compared to other gas powered pressure washers.

Feature	Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer	Gas powered pressure washer
Difficulty to use	Less difficult to use	More difficult to start
Durability	Somewhat durable	Very durable
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain	Less easy to maintain
Value	Medium value	Medium value
Small jobs	Highly recommended	Highly recommended
Medium jobs	Recommended	Highly recommended
Heavy jobs	Not recommended	Highly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

What to look for in a pressure washer

When looking for a pressure washer, you want to have a good understanding of the jobs you want to get done. Most people use pressure washers to deep clean their patio, porch, driveways, windows, or other external surfaces around the house. Most pressure washers are good for these jobs as they are relatively light work and do not require excessive force.

For those of us cleaning the spray paint off of our cars from our crazy ex-girlfriends, you might want one that has a little more “umph” behind it.

Luckily for you, the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer can handle both.

Things to consider before buying a pressure washer

Some common considerations for those looking for a pressure washer include the following:

Ability to add soap to the hose instead of schlepping around a bucket with soap
Multiple nozzle types for whichever job you need
Length of pole (if cleaning exterior of house, not having one of these could limit how high you can reach)
Storage capability and maintenance requirements
PSI level for either commercial or residential use

September 29, 2021April 8, 2024

Why I Love The Dewalt 20V MAX Hedge Trimmer

The Dewalt Hedge Trimmer 20V DCHT820B is a cordless trimmer used for folks trying to clean up their overgrown bushes around their yard. Cordless trimmers are handy for those that like to cover a longer distance without being weighed down or restricted by a cord.

Cordless hedge trimmers are popular even for the most novice of yard groomers. This Dewalt Hedge Trimmer is one of the few trimmers I have experienced that I truly have a strong opinion on.

Here’s a quick breakdown of my experience with the Dewalt hedge trimmer. Keep scrolling if you want to read more! Follow this link to watch my video review on Youtube as well.

Dewalt crushed it by providing a nice rubber molded grip that makes it really easy to handle
The brushless motor means this was built for durability
This Dewalt hedge trimmer is part of the 20V MAX series with dozens of other tools
I used it on my backyard and loved it.

Buckle up and let me review the Dewalt hedge trimmer. Click below to jump ahead:

Corded vs. Cordless hedge trimmers
Using this hedge trimmer
Cost and value
The official review: who should and should NOT buy this trimmer

Dewalt has really stepped up their game and even made a sleek cordless lawn mower and some really sweet leaf blowers as well. They have a history of great gas products, too, like their huge Dewalt 3400 PSI pressure washer.

How I tested this

I borrowed this hedge trimmer from my brother-in-law for a Youtube video I recorded. It was a great time of year to put it to the test on some bushes in my backyard.

When I was using this hedge trimmer, I was testing it for a few things. Obviously power, but also handling and comfort, battery run-time and charge time, and overall value (price compared to performance).

I’ve tested a bunch of these now and this one was a big surprise.

Using this hedge trimmer is easy and comfortable

Dewalt is known for having a high quality, residential suite of products. Most folks in the construction or commercial landscaping industry are not using Dewalt, but it is one of the most popular brands for folks like you and me walking around Home Depot.

The Dewalt 20V hedge trimmer is super light!

The hedge trimmer is highly usable for residential consumers. As is any other cordless trimmer, the Dewalt is easy to pick up and take wherever you need around your yard.

Further, another aspect of this is the compatibility of the battery. The hedge trimmer comes with a 20V battery that is usable with all of its 20V products. In fact, the Dewalt lawn mower uses the same battery – talk about convenience!

Yep, that means if you own a Dewalt power drill or other battery powered device from them, you can just keep one battery charged and open up space in your garage.

Try to purchase the tool-only version

Tool only means that the hedge trimmer comes without a battery. This is super convenient for Dewalt loyalists who want to leverage their existing suite of 20V tools from Dewalt. Simply pop the battery on to the back and fire up the trimmer, just like any other Dewalt tool you own.

Comfortable grips make a difference

A positive to having a 20V battery is that this will be a relatively light weight hedge trimmer. Additionally, a lack of a cord to lug around will make this tool feel like a feather.

Also, I may be too accustomed to my twenty-year old corded hedge trimmer, but I sensed that this trimmer had much less vibration. Particularly when you first pull this out of the box, the lightweight feel, lack of vibration, and sharp blades make the first few cuts feel really nice.

This hedge trimmer has some serious power

This hedge trimmer boasts a 5.0Ah Lithium Ion battery. While this sounds impressive, you are only going to get so much power out of a battery-powered hedge trimmer.

The first time I ever used a hedge trimmer I pictured it being like using one of those big lumberjack chainsaws. I was disappointed to say the least when I started using one and could not cut through a ¾” inch thick branch.

I am not alone in thinking that this tool does not have the power that you would want or expect. Other reviews that I have read online have pointed out that the hedge trimmer can take a few passes over the same spot to truly get a good cut.

Conversely, the good news here from a low power hedge trimmer is that for most people using this tool, it will not really impact you that much. Most people are used to hedge trimmers taking a few passes because most people (me) wait too long to cut their bushes and end up having to take a million passes to get it trimmed.

For those that obsess over their circular-shaped bushes, this will leave some power to be desired.

Depth matters for cutting thick branches

Something that cracks me up about all of the measurements and data points provided by Dewalt is the trimmer depth. Basically, Dewalt measures the length of the blades and says that length is how thick of a bush it can cut. In your dreams.

Finally, if you think a hedge trimmer can cut through a three quarters of an inch branch, you have gullible written on your forehead. While this product can cut to a depth of three quarters of an inch, it will only get you through a very leafy, brushy hedge.

Cost and value

The Dewalt 20V Hedge Trimmer is selling for anywhere between $200 and $250 from what I can tell. The tool only Dewalt 20V Hedge trimmer sells for about $130 to $150.

Comparable brands like Black and Decker, Greenworks, and Craftsman have virtually identical trimmers for about the same or LESS cost.

In my opinion, the true value of this product is not anything inherent to the product itself. Most battery powered cordless hedge trimmers are going to perform the same. Those who purchase a cordless trimmer for tasks around their relatively small to medium sized yards will be totally fine purchasing any of these.

Who should buy this?

The value of purchasing a Dewalt 20V hedge trimmer comes most to those who already own a suite of Dewalt 20V battery powered items. The tool-only version of this hedge trimmer is significantly cheaper. If you have a 20V battery for this already, you can save a good amount of money, garage space, and electricity by sticking with this brand.

Who should NOT buy this hedge trimmer?

If you have a suite of products from Ryobi, Craftsman, or any of the other brands that have compatible batteries, I do not recommend purchasing this product. Try to find a hedge trimmer with compatible batteries and similar features.

The final review: Dewalt DCHT820B Cordless Hedge Trimmer

You can grab the Dewalt DCHT820B on Amazon right now for a great price. If you already have the battery, you can save even more money by using this link to get a tool-only version from Amazon.

If you don’t like Amazon, its also available at Home Depot, where you can buy online or pick it up in store.

Feature	Rating
Difficulty to use	Less difficult than corded
Durability	Average
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain
Value	High value for Dewalt 20V loyalists, medium to low for others
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre	Not recommended unless keeping spare batteries around
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

Why we started The Lawn Review

Corded vs Cordless hedge trimmers

Hedge trimmers come in corded and cordless fashions. Corded trimmers have been the default and most popular trimmers on the market for a long time. Trimmers that require you to keep them plugged in have a few negatives, however.

Corded hedge trimmers

I have always used a corded hedge trimmer and the most frustrating part to me is that it comes unplugged pretty easily. I find myself stepping on it, getting it caught on a branch, or tangling my arm around it. Another negative to the long cord is the limited reach provided by the cord. Even for bushes close to my house, I can reach the end of the cord pretty quickly if I am getting on a ladder to cut a tall hedge.

My classic Craftsman corded hedge trimmer doesn’t fail.

Lastly, and this one is probably irrational, but I tend to feel like I am going to get the cord caught in the trimmer and cut it off. This has never happened but it stresses me out when I am working in the yard.

Cordless hedge trimmers

Cordless hedge trimmers are definitely more functional for spending time out in the yard. My concerns about cutting off the wire, getting tangled in wire, and becoming unplugged all go out the window. You will also have a longer range for cutting than you would with a traditional corded hedge trimmer.

Not to mention, if a sibling or friends wants to borrow the Dewalt Hedge trimmer 20V, you don’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy extension cord.

This one made our list of some of our favorite cordless hedge trimmers!

September 27, 2021April 8, 2024

Why I Love the New Cub Cadet XT1 LT series (including Electric)

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT series is a new series of lawn tractors that is plastered everywhere at Home Depot To help break this down, Cub Cadet has the XT series with LT (short for Lawn Tractor), with either a 42 or 46 inch deck cutting width.

As two of the most popular lawn tractors on the market, many people have asked me to review the Cub Cadet XT1 LT series and give my thoughts on the new electric version as well

Let’s get started:

All about Lawn Tractors (the LT in LT42 and LT46)
Features of the Cub Cadet XT1 series
Criticisms
Our overall review of the XT1 LT42 and LT46

The two new Cub Cadet tractors are really nice

Looking at the Cub Cadet XT1 LT 42 and 46, you would think they are absolutely identical. From the outside, they are mostly the exact same other than the deck width. Let’s take a look underneath the hood and compare their overall functions.

Measuring the comfort and usability

Frankly, Cub Cadet is known for their comfortable mowers. They prioritize this feature over a lot of other things in their mowers, which I greatly appreciate. Both the LT42 and LT46 have an adjustable seat, a 15 inch high seat back, and straightforward operating functionality.

While the XT1 series has a 16 inch turn radius, the masters at Cub Cadet have fashioned the steering system to feel like a zero turn mower. They are very easy to operate and provide a comfortable ride.

As a tall person, I was saddened by the lack of steering wheel height reach. I have to slightly hunch over to grab the steering wheel or otherwise have my arms extended way out in front of me.

This is what you look like when you use this mower.

Transmission – Hydrostatic and what that means

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT series offers “Tuff Torq” foot controlled hydrostatic transmission that gets rid of the need for manual shifting. You simply apply your foot to the pedal and get moving. I love hydrostatic transmissions because they offer longer lives and less maintenance. To make things better, Cub Cadet offers a 3 year warranty on this product, regardless of hours used.

Accessories for the XT1 series make it convertible to a year-round tool

The accessories available on the LT42 and LT46 are flat out sweet. The options turn this 4 to 5 month per year machine into a year-around utility vehicle. There is an attachment snow plow blade, a leaf collector, tire chains, double bagger, mulching kit, brush guard, rear cargo carrier, rear sprayer, and front bumper kit. You can also purchase armrests, sun/snow shade, or a full on snow cab. With all of these features, you can save a ton of money and time with the Cub Cadet XT1 instead of five or six different machines and tools.

Power is super important and these mowers have a LOT of it

Upfront I can tell you that both of these mowers will have adequate power for those with up to 2 or 3 acres. That being said, you have a choice to make between the LT42 and LT46.

The LT42 has a single cylinder, 541 cc, 18 horsepower, 5400 Kohler engine. The Kohler engines are great and moderately reliable. For the 42 inch deck, this engine is more than enough power to get a job done. The LT42 has the ability to move up to almost 6 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse.

The LT46 has a twin cylinder, 725 cc, 22 horsepower, 7000 series Kohler engine. What I love about the horsepower on this engine is that it is the same amount of horsepower as a lot of heavier, bigger zero-turn mowers.

Other than the horsepower and deck width differences, the two have almost identical features in all other aspects.

What about the electric version – the blue LT42E?

The XT1 LT42E, the electric version of the XT1, is similar in almost every way except for the engine (duh). This battery powered machine can go for about one and a half hours before needing a recharge, which takes about 4 hours.

The Cub Cadet XT1 42E (photo cred: Cub Cadet).

A main difference you will notice between this machine and the other XT1 series is the price. While I do like some electric lawn equipment, this thing has a much bigger price tag – which can be totally worth it to some people.

Criticisms of the XT1 Series (mostly looks)

Some of the common criticisms of both the LT42 and LT46 Cub Cadet XT1 series tend to be aesthetic. A few folks have pointed out the “cream-colored” rims on the tires. Another criticism I have seen is that sometimes the blade will bump the soil when going over hills or rough terrain. This is totally normal and is just like when you take your car into a steep driveway – you will get some drag sometimes.

Others boast about the smooth and quiet ride. Cub Cadet prides themselves on the mower’s experience which is why they consistently make comfortable riding mowers that leave you wanting to mow your neighbor’s yard.

Overall review of the LT series riding mowers

Feature	Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 and LT46	Comparable lawn tractors
Difficulty to use	Slightly less difficult due to steering ease	Average difficulty
Durability	Average durability	Average durability
Maintenance	Relatively easy to maintain	Relatively easy to maintain
Value	High value due to comfort and add-on capabilities	Medium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Not recommended	Not recommended
For lots <1 acre	Recommended	Recommended
For lots >1 acre	Recommended up to 2-3 acres	Recommended up to 2-3 acres

Overall, the Cub Cadet mowers will mow just about as well as any other lawn tractor on the market. What distinguishes the XT1 LT42 and LT46 from its competitors is its comfortable and quiet ride. Another beautiful feature of this series is the ability to have attachments that turn this from a summer machine to a year-round wonder.

Cost and value of the Cub Cadet XT1 series

The XT1 LT42 and 46 can be found at Home Depot – where you’ll have to check the price because it changes all the time. Both are great options, but if you have a bigger yard I would go with the LT46. This will save you time as it has larger blades and a larger deck width.

What to look for in a lawn tractor

With the dawn of zero turn mowers, electric riding mowers, and flying hovercraft mowers with drone weed whackers (only kidding), the classic lawn tractor is often overlooked.

The reality is that lawn tractors are great machines that still have a place in the modern lawn care garage. Lawn tractors are great for people with a half of an acre up to two acres. They are also fine for people with more than 2 acres with few obstacles to navigate.

The zero-turn mower craze (of which Cub Cadet has some awesome mowers) is largely hyped up by the admittedly cool features. The downside of these mowers is the massive price tag and difficulty with storage.

Cub Cadet’s XT1 LT42E even made our list of our favorite electric riding mowers that have surprisingly freakish power.

Convenience of lawn tractors

Lawn tractors are still convenient for many folks. The beauty of lawn tractors is that they can easily squeeze into your garage between two cars. Zero-turn mowers need their own separate garage or storage facility simply due to the size. Lawn tractors are also straightforward to operate and have less moving parts than zero turn mowers.

The XT1 series body style is pretty cool.

Another thing I love about lawn tractors is their ability to add on attachments to the front. Zero turn mowers often have attachments and trailer features on the back, but for those of us in snowy climates there is nothing quite like putting a snow pusher on the front and moving some snow. The same goes for piles of mulch or anything else you feel like pushing.

September 24, 2021April 8, 2024

Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher Review (+ Full Video)

The Sun Joe dethatcher AKA Sun Joe AJ801E, is a tool that has recently blown me away. I had never used a dethatcher before – and boy was I missing out. Not only on the results but on the complete satisfaction this tool provides.

Ever gotten really close to the soil and wondered what all that dead grass was doing? After it rains it is all of the super soggy, dirty, twisty grass that sits at the base of the grass and clogs it up. I can tell you what it is doing – it is called thatch and it is clogging up the soil and suffocating your lawn just like it was mine.

When I started dethatching my lawn at least once per year, especially before I aerate and overseed, has yielded amazing results. Getting rid of those dead strands of grass gives my yard room to breathe, take in nutrients, and grow more luscious throughout the season.

Let’s get started – click to jump ahead

Dethatchers demystified
What its like to use a Sun Joe dethatcher
Electric connection
Cleaning up after I dethatch
Sun Joe Dethatcher Durability
Renting vs. purchasing the Sun Joe dethatcher
The Official Review

How I tested the Sun Joe dethatcher

In short, I bought it and recorded a long video of myself using it in the yard. So if you want to see it in action, check it out on Youtube.

But I have about a half acre of tall fescue and I took this puppy through my entire yard – twice. It dug up so much dang thatch that I had to put it in my trailer. When I was evaluating it, I was mostly looking at its power, convenience, durability, and value (price to performance ratio).

It was pretty sweet.

Sun Joe dethatcher features and benefits

At first glance, the Sun Joe dethatcher appears to be a big plastic box with a metal bar. In fact, it looks weak and wimpy. It feels kind of unsturdy and cheaply made.

Do not be fooled. This thing is a workhorse! You will notice once you get it going that it has some serious power to pull up the dead grass. Yep, that same dead grass that broke my back with the rake is coming up super easily by a plastic box. No reason to feel embarrassed.

Plug and play

The downside of this dethatcher is that it needs to be plugged in to operate – it is not battery powered. A nice, long extension cord will help get the job done. I recommend a fifty foot extension cord. One hundred foot extension cords tend to get really heavy and difficult to maneuver.

The dethatcher from the front with bag attached.

Clean-up after dethatching – bag or no bag?

The Sun Joe dethatcher leaves quite the mess behind. I was be surprised to see the amount of thatch that comes up from beneath my grass. That being said, Sun Joe provides a bag that can be mounted to the dethatcher. I suggest using this to clean as you go. Otherwise, go over the loose thatch with your mower and collect it in that bag. Another option is to grab the rake, but obviously would be a last resort.

Sun Joe Dethatcher Durability

At first glance, this chunk of neon green plastic that is only about 13-15 inches wide does not look like it would be super durable. Frankly, that is exactly what I thought when I first looked at the Sun Joe Dethatcher (or really any Sun Joe product).

The truth is, the little throngs at the bottom poking out are called tines. The tines on this machine are, in fact, super durable. These tines will work to dig up all of the thatch and leave my lawn looking great. Truly, the plastic casing and wheels are deceptive, as they simply serve as a cover for an otherwise low-output (meaning not getting super hot or vibrating) tool. I have no concerns with the durability of this equipment and have had zero issues with tines. The tines can also be replaced if needed, giving the Sun Joe dethatcher a high durability ranking.

Setting expectations

While the Sun Joe dethatcher is a powerful tool that will save my back, it isn’t for everyone. If you have a massive yard, you are better off getting a commercial size dethatcher that can be hooked on to the back of a riding mower.

Assembling the Dethatcher right out of the box.

To level-set expectations, the Sun Joe dethatcher has a width of almost 13 inches ranging up to 15 inches with the largest model. This is not going to be “a few passes in the yard and you are good to go”. It will require you to move relatively slowly and make many passes to cover the entirety of your yard. But boy, will you be surprised by the amount of thatch you pull up.

It is ideal to use the dethatcher on your yard right before you aerate and seed. This gives your yard a fresh slate to work off of for the most aeration and overseeding. All of those gaps that you notice between the blades will become filled in (if only this could happen to my hair).

The scarifier attachment on the Sun Joe Dethatcher

This machine also comes with a scarifier attachment. Honestly, I had never used or even heard of a scarifier before I used the dethatcher. It basically looks like someone removed the blades out of my blender and put them in this machine.

Basically, the scarifier cuts little grooves in your yard to somewhat aerate and cut through small roots and other tricky pieces that might give the dethatcher a hard time. In my experience, I would just use the dethatcher then switch over to a normal aerator to get the job done prior to seeding.

Renting vs buying the Sun Joe Dethatcher

This is a very easy question for me to answer. Simply put, once I used the dethatcher on my lawn one time, I was addicted. It is incredibly satisfying to pull up a bunch of old grass that has been plaguing my lawn.

The Greenworks dethatcher is the main competition – we own it, too.

Renting a Sun Joe dethatcher simply is not worth it. This is something I will want to do to my lawn every couple of months. The dethatcher is relatively inexpensive compared to other lawn items, ranging from $150 to $200 depending on where and when you buy. It is on sale on Amazon right now, which is where I got mine.

The Cordless Sun Joe Dethatcher: A new version

For an additional $100 or so, you can purchase a cordless dethatcher. I do not generally recommend getting the cordless version and I will explain why.

The range of the batteries on these will not get me much further than the limit of an extension cord. Meaning, I will not get much of a benefit besides not having to worry about pulling around or tripping over an extension cord. I also hate having clutter in my garage and already have enough battery chargers for my other tools. This comes with two batteries that will simply add more clutter, chargers, and things that I will fall and break my neck on in the garage.

The official review: Sun Joe Dethatcher

Feature	Sun Joe AJ801E
Difficulty to use	Much easier to use than a rake
Durability	Medium durability
Maintenance	No maintenance required
Value	High value to own vs. rent
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre	Recommended up to 0.5 acres
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

Our breakdown.

The Sun Joe dethatcher will absolutely change your yard. While this can be a tedious process, it beats out the alternative of breaking your back with a rake. We here at The Lawn Review highly encourage purchasing this product and giving it a try. Once you do your first pass in your lawn, you will be addicted!

Check out our comparison web story we made stacking this one up against the Greenworks dethatcher.

You can grab the Sun Joe dethatcher AJ801E on Amazon for sale right now.

Why would I buy a Sun Joe dethatcher?

I am not really sure who Sun Joe is, but he makes electric yard tools like dethatchers, pressure washers, electric air compressors, and more. Traditionally, dethatching is done with a fine rake across the entirety of your yard. Other than the damage this does to your weekend and lower back, it can put a lot of stress on your living grass.

The Sun Joe dethatcher AJ801E provides an electronic way for you to simply scoot across your lawn and pull up all of the dead grass. This saves you time and back pain and is much more effective.

Sun Joe also has a line of winter products, aptly named Snow Joe.

When to use a dethatcher

Dethatchers are great for people who do their own lawn care. Where I see dethatchers being most useful is at the beginning of the spring when the snow has melted. Snow plows and general use around your yard can cause dirt, debris, and rotten roots.

Another great time to use the dethatcher is right before aerating and seeding, typically around October (depending on where you live). This gives the seed fresh ground upon which to grow and takes away competing sources of nutrients like sunlight, nitrogen, and water.

Why we started The Lawn Review

September 2, 2021April 8, 2024

I Tested Out Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Mower and Loved It

The Greenworks Pro 40V 21” Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower was one of the first major players in the electric mower space when they launched their mower in 2016. Five years later, the market demand has steadily increased with increased public perception and battery capabilities.

Greenworks has really become a major player in the e-tool marketplace with over 75 tools in their 40V battery lineup (and growing!). Today we will examine one of Greenworks top selling models, the Pro 40V 21” Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.

Here are the quick takeaways from my experience with the Greenworks 40V mower:

The Greenworks 40V mower has a great self-propelled function that is super intuitive
The metal deck and brushless motor mean this battery powered mower was built to last
The 40V lineup from Greenworks has a ton of tools, saving you big time money on batteries

Keep reading below to learn more about this mower. If you’re already sold, it can be found and purchased from a bunch of different retailers including Amazon (where we got it) or directly from Greenworks website.

Jump ahead to read more!

First impressions
My experience with the Greenworks mower
Our recommendation

First impressions of the Greenworks Pro 40V 21” Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Though I haven’t always been the biggest fan of electric mowers, the Greenworks mower has caught my attention for a variety of different reasons; the light, compact design, the SmartCut™ technology which enables you to adjust blade speed, and the variable speed setting to control how fast the mower goes. The cool green color makes it pop too! Also, it’s a nice touch that this comes with a spare blade.

Using the 40V Greenworks mower compared to a gas mower

This Greenworks 40V mower is very intuitive. It includes a start button (which is very strange for a guy who is used to ripping a string to get his mower humming). Now I just click a button and it quietly hums along.

It also includes a turbo button to, you guessed it, turn up the power on your cuts. It also includes an on-board battery indicator up by the throttle control so you can easily see how much power you have left.

The mower also has EZ Fold Handles which cause it to break down and store with ease. It also features a 7-position single lever height adjustment handle on the back right side which I must say is a pretty sweet addition. I can’t stand having to change all four of my different wheel heights and inevitably I forget to change one and have uneven cuts for a few passes.

Durability – the metal deck on the Greenworks mower

The 21” steel deck should provide good durability in the event you run over a rock, stick or tennis ball. When compared to plastic decks, metal decks are FAR superior.

Greenworks also provides a 4 year tool & battery warranty which is pretty long in my opinion. It must mean they stand by their product! I believe most mowers have a 3 year warranty so adding that additional year means they must really believe in their product.

Lastly – a brushless motor makes this a super great option for long-term use. Brushless motors are cooler, longer lasting, and way more durable.

Battery Life

Greenworks 40V mower boasts a 60 minute battery and I’m like… So?… Unless you have ¼ to ½ an acre yard this is simply not enough time to cut your yard – Especially if you use the NOS, I mean turbo button.

The 80V battery is also popular for other products.

But in reality, this ends up being enough juice for most people. You can either buy an additional battery, or consider conserving battery life by making sure to mow when the grass is completely dry or by leaving the self-propelled function off.

My experience using Greenworks’ 40V lineup of mowers

The mower itself is pretty light and easy to handle even though the deck is made of steel. Most people from the age of 12 – 65 should be able to handle this mean green mowing machine just fine. It also folds up in a self proclaimed “2 seconds.” So take that for what you will.

I don’t know how that really impacts the way the mower works but I guess it makes it that much quicker to a nice brewski during a hot summer afternoon.

SmartCut technology from Greenworks

Greenworks also uses a SmartCut technology that lets you control how fast your blade spins, thereby impacting how long your battery lasts as well. The battery pack on this mower says you can run it for 60 minutes but that will more than likely be on the lowest setting possible and the minute you start to introduce hills and tougher mowing conditions your battery will be zapped.

Also this mower is rated for a ¾ of an acre yard but my yard is ¾ an acre and I’ve never mowed it in less than an hour so I’d imagine I’ll have to buy another battery to finish the whole yard.

Clipping control settings

In addition to controlling how fast the blade spins you can also control what happens to your clippings, you can select 1 of 4 different mowing settings: Mulch, Bagging, Side Discharge and Leaf Pick-Up. Personally, I have no idea why anyone would use the side discharge option. It seems like it’d be such a mess to me. I see myself using the mulch and leaf pick-up options the most. The bagging option would probably only be used on my first mow of the season if I’m late to getting the cut in. I currently use my bag to chop up leaves and pack them in a little tighter.

The self-propelled function on electric mowers

This mower also offers the user the ability to control how fast the self-propelled function works. Similar to the SmartCut technology discussed above I imagine if you want to go faster you’ll use the battery much quicker than 60 minutes. I guess that’s the price you pay for not wanting to use gas powered mowers.

Another feature that I found to be beneficial were the headlights – that’d really come in handy during late fall afternoon mows when the sun starts to set early. I also thought the leaf pickup function via the turbo button would be really handy, basically a vacuum for your yard. From what I can gather it turns the blade off and just sucks up the leaves.

Greenworks Pro 40V 21” Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Our recommendation

Check out the table below that highlights my thoughts on this Greenworks mower.

Feature	Greenworks 40V mower
Difficulty to use	Super easy to use
Durability	Good durable metal deck and brushless motor
Maintenance	Easiest to maintain
Value	Decent value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre	Not recommended
For lots >1 acre	Not recommended

Compared to other electric mowers like the Sun Joe, Ryobi, or the Dewalt, this one has a tad more experience.

For a great price on Amazon, you can get started shredding the grass in your yard, and saving the environment in the process.

Interested in other electric mowers? Check out our guide for purchasing an electric lawn mower.